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Is the Third Time a Charm in Kinky Friedman’s Bid for Office?

Todd Wiseman
/
texastribune.org

Kinky Friedman, singer, humorist, novelist, and hawker of tequila, is trying to the third time to add “elected official” to the list.  The 69 year old has tossed his black cowboy hat into the ring to become agriculture commissioner according to an article in the Texas Tribune.

This time Friedman has a clearer mission.  His campaign’s central issue is the legalization of marijuana, which he predicts could be the state’s biggest cash crop, as well as the financial solution to a number of the state’s problems.

“It’s a nonbinding referendum,” he said of his candidacy. “It’s bigger than just another conniving politician trying to worm his way into office. That’s not what’s happening here. What’s happening is, if I actually win this thing, the heat on this issue on the Legislature and whoever the governor is will be enormous.”

His two Democratic primary opponents are not biting.

“I’m interested in grass, but it’s not that kind,” said Hugh Fitzsimons, a contender who raises grass-fed bison in Carrizo Springs. “To me, we have some serious, serious problems, and it’s primarily centered around water.”

Jim Hogan, a Cleburne farmer, responded similarly. “I don’t smoke it,” he said. “I don’t have anything to do with it. That’s the last I want to talk about it. I want to talk about raising cattle, trees, goats, tomatoes and peppers.”

Recreation is not motivating this platform for Friedman.  Legalized marijuana would have little effect on his activities.  He does not smoke it, he said.

“I ask myself every day the question, ‘Is it good for Texas?’” he said.  “Would a guy like me being elected agriculture commissioner be good for Texas? Would it stir things up? Why is it that only at gunpoint will the candidates discuss legalization of marijuana and hemp when clearly it is exploding across the world?”

You can read the entire article written by Reeve Hamilton for the Texas Tribune here.